Chapter Eleven-Losing Hope

Three weeks later

"We've been looking for over three weeks. For all we know, her kidnapper's taken her out of the city." Jonathan told Christien.

"Look, Marik's been really sick over this. We have to ask around again. Even if they all give us the same answers they did two weeks ago. Victoria's here in Domino. I just know it." Mokuba told the Robas. "Maybe whoever has her is keeping her out of public."

"That's probably true....." Christien admitted. "Come on. Let's keep looking." God,Tori....what have you gotten yourself into?! I know you're still alive, and I know you're here. Send me some kind sign, please! Christien wouldn't admit it, but he was suffering from heart sickness over the loss of Victoria.

"Christien, you go ask around the Kaibas' neighborhood. Leave no house unasked." Jonathan instructed. "Everyone meet in Egypt after they're done." The group split up, and went their seperate ways.

Marik watched this with gratitude. Mokuba knew what it was like not to have his brother where he needed him to be. The boys wouldn't give up until Victoria was found. Unfortunately,that could prove to be a futile effort. Whoever took my sister is doing a good job of keeping her silent. That was a feat on it's own. The truth was, Marik had already given up on Victoria until that morning. Weevil Underwood's sister, who'd been helping with the search, had had a report that someone had seen Victoria walk into a school. It wasn't her school, but a music conservatory. This had puzzled everyone involved, but it made them even more determined to find out who was holding her against her will, and get her back.

"They're still looking for me." Victoria informed Duke at dinner that night. "I saw them."

"And did you talk to them?" Duke wanted to know. He'd agreed to allow Victoria out to shop alone that afternoon after her voice lesson.

"No. I never talk to anyone except you and Ms. Cline." Victoria told him. A part of her was enjoying this new lifestyle Duke had given her. It was like being back home, except without being forced to duel. The other part of her despised it because she had to keep away from the people she knew and loved so much. "Duke.......I was wondering.....can I talk to Christien Roba at least? I really miss him."

"We'll see in a week or two." Duke replied,setting his dinner aside. "Victoria,I have big news for you."

Victoria's eyes brightened in curiosity. "What is it, oniisan?"

"I went to the county courthouse today. Did you know that you are not on record as being an Ishtar? You were not even in the records at all. They were going to take you into custody."

"That's impossible.....the Ishtars are.....were,my family." She chose her wording carefully. Though she didn't want to be there, Victoria had learned the hard way to humor Duke. She was waiting for a chance to escape.

"I'm sorry you found it out like this. They never adopted you or anything." Duke replied smoothly, keeping control of the situation. "But I have remedied the situation." He pulled a folder out of his briefcase. "These are your adoption papers, Victoria. They state that I have become your legal guardian." He was staring right at her, making his point. "If the Ishtars try to take you away, whether you go willingly or not, it will be considered kidnapping."

"No! You can't do this to me,Duke! Please!" Victoria stood up, almost spilling grape juice on her new slacks.

"It is already done." Duke said calmly. "Come now, finish your dinner."

"I don't want it!" Victoria fled to her room, slamming the door. How can he do this to me?! I trusted him, and now look what's happened! Christien was right. I need to call him.....I need to get away from here,before it gets worse! She bursted into tears, crying into her satin sheets. She didn't hear Duke come into her room later.

"Vicki....it was the only way I could give you your freedom back. I had to make sure you couldn't leave me indefinitely."

"But I don't belong to you. You know I love the Ishtars." Victoria told him.

"Indeed I do. But this way, you can see them, and I can still keep you." Duke told her. "You may go out tonight, if you want to."

"I won't. But I am going to rehearsal tomorrow. I need to see Christien."

"Good then. You should be doing more than playing in my backyard." Duke left her to contemplate this. She will remain with me now forever. No one can deny the printed word. And if the Ishtars should persue it, then so be it. It was their own stupidity that allowed me to do this!